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As part of the National Basketball Retired Players Association’s (NBRPA) global mission to give back, a group of Legends and NBRPA staff recently completed an international mission trip to Panama along with members from the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association (MLBPAA).

As part of the trip, players from both leagues - including NBA star Sam Perkins, WNBA star Barbara Farris and MLB’s Roberto Alomar and Carlos Baerga - participated in a series of clinics and events at MVP’s flagship facility in Panama City, Panama. More than 1000 kids made their way through the facility as part of the three-day program, which helps kids develop life skills on and off the court.

“To have the opportunity to go overseas and represent former players around the world is an incredible honor,” said Scott Rochelle, NBRPA president and CEO. “The growth of the NBA on a global scale and its rising international appeal have contributed to more opportunities for former players to visit overseas destinations.”

MVP Sports City is the largest private sports complex in Panama and Central America with the focus on developing life skills in education, sports and family. The organization’s mission is to promote the core values and excellence through sports and education by utilizing the latest training and performance techniques.

“The work of MVP Sports City and the impact the organization is having in the community was incredible to see first-hand,” said Erin Miller, senior vice president of operations and events. “We want to give our players more of these opportunities because we see the value they bring and the impact they can have.”

In addition, select players and members from both organizations had the distinct privilege of having dinner at the US Embassy with key dignitaries from the United States and Panama. Discussions centered around how grow the game of basketball in Panama and how to use sports as a vehicle for change.

“I love opportunities like this to venture out into the world and use basketball as a vehicle to impact young boys and girls,” said Sam Perkins.

Over the past 24 months, the NBRPA has funded trips for players to visit international destinations, including South Africa, Haiti and Panama. As part of the association’s global mission in 2019, the group has plans to visit additional countries by year’s end.

“I would like to thank Bruce Chen and everyone at MVP Sports City for allowing me to come to Panama and take part in these amazing clinics,” said Barbara Farris. “Learning about the culture and people of Panama has been very special and I am forever grateful for the opportunity.”

As part of the NBA China Games, the NBRPA, along with current and former players, seized the opportunity to visit Shanghai and Shenzhen and see first-hand the growing influence the NBA and its players have on the global stage. Current stars and Legends, Jermaine O’Neal, Dikembe Mutombo, Julius Erving, Jim Jackson, Caron Butler, Sam Perkins and Michael Finley, joined forces for a week-long trip that combined the history, passion and culture of China into an unforgettable experience.

“It was a great experience,” Butler said. “Being amongst so many of the all-time greats and to be able to enjoy that camaraderie and share this experience with them was incredible.”

The reaction to the NBA’s arrival in China was spectacular. The energy, size of crowds and the pure joy and excitement from the thousands of fans that welcomed the NBA’s arrival to their city was something that had to be witnessed first-hand.

“I’ve traveled so much internationally on behalf of the NBA, so I see a lot of it,” said Butler. “It amazes you when you are there in it. No one can describe what it is like. You need to be there, in the moment, to truly get a sense of the magnitude.”

As part of the trip, the Legends took part in a series of fan and partner events. Fan Appreciation Day, which took place in Shanghai, gave fans the chance to interact with their favorite NBA stars and Legends in a game-like atmosphere. For Butler, who has been to China and overseas numerous times on behalf of the association, said that this experience was really special.

“I think it’s important to honor and pay respects to the legacy of the game and the people that paved the way,” Butler said. “From my experience this year in China, it’s pretty special to see the wealth of young talent that recognizes the history of this game.”

The growth of the NBA on a global scale can’t go unnoticed; the impact…undeniable. From an international perspective, the focus has shifted to youth and growth in key regions around the world. The game’s international appeal, combined with the NBA’s savviness and forward-thinking, have combined to create a fan base in China that is hungry for more basketball.

“Every time I go to China, I see the intensity and wealth of fans over there,” said Butler. “It continues to grow and there is no indication of declining. The production was amazing. It was impressive to see the display of production by the Association.”

For the Legends to continue to be a part of the game and events like this is special. But above all, the most rewarding part was seeing the reaction from fans and the joy that they can bring to people. Nothing was more special than that.

“To see the faces of those young people, the fun that they were having, it reemphasizes why we do what we do,” said Jackson. “To be a part of that and to still feel like we are making an impact is an incredible feeling and something I want to continue doing.”

Chicago, IL (Nov. 28, 2018) – The National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA) has partnered with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Goddard Space Flight Center to give former players the opportunity to identify and pursue commercialization of patented NASA technologies.

The program will center on entrepreneurship and give former NBA, WNBA, ABA and Harlem Globetrotters players the chance to work collaboratively with NASA engineers to expose NBRPA members to NASA patented technologies and address questions related to potential commercial applications.

“This partnership is the first of its kind and is an incredible opportunity for former players,” said Eric McGill, NASA Senior Technology Manager, who will lend his 15 years of experience in entrepreneurship, research and development to expose new technologies to NBRPA members. “Giving players the chance to immerse themselves in our state-of-the-art technology and learn from the world’s best engineers is truly unheard of.”

“This innovative collaboration is a win-win for NASA and the NBRPA that will provide opportunities for NBRPA entrepreneurs to develop strategies for commercialization through creation of technology startup companies to better our economy,” says Dennis Small, NASA’s NBRPA Project Manager.

“This is a game-changer for our association,” said NBRPA President and CEO Scott Rochelle. “By partnering with NASA and giving our players access to these resources, players will be given a serious leg up when it comes to entrepreneurial, investment and technology opportunities.”

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Media Contact:Brad Shulkin
Brad.shulkin@kemperlesnik.com
847.894.1808

ABOUT THE NATIONAL BASKETBALL RETIRED PLAYERS ASSOCIATIONThe National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA) is comprised of former professional basketball players from the NBA, ABA, WNBA and Harlem Globetrotters. It is a 501(c) 3 organization with a mission to develop, implement and advocate a wide array of programs to benefit its members, supporters and the community. The NBRPA was founded in 1992 by basketball legends Dave DeBusschere, Dave Bing, Archie Clark, Dave Cowens and Oscar Robertson. The NBRPA works in direct partnerships with the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association. Scott Rochelle is President and CEO, and the NBRPA Board of Directors includes Chairman of the Board Spencer Haywood, Vice Chairman Dwight Davis, Treasurer Casey Shaw, Secretary Nancy Lieberman, Rick Barry, Grant Hill, Johnny Davis, David Naves, Sam Perkins, Eldridge Recasner, Jerome Williams.

Huntington, NY (Nov. 5, 2018) – AthLife® announces an expansion of services to former NBA, ABA, WNBA and Harlem Globetrotter players through a partnership with the National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA). The expanded services are aimed at providing membership with extended one­-to­-one advising related to professional development, career development, and educational advising support.

“Furthering our partnership with AthLife provides a benefit to our members that strikes at the core of our mission, which is to assist our membership with their transition to life beyond their playing days”, says Scott Rochelle, President and CEO of the NBRPA.

AthLife was formed in 2004 to service the education, career development, and life skill needs of athletes. With the support of an AthLife Advisor, professional and post­professional athletes are empowered to build their skills in the areas of professional development including career exploration, education planning, goal setting, resume building, networking and interviewing. AthLife’s approach is to guide the client through a process that builds skills and confidence, thus enabling them to assume control over their ongoing career development.

“Former NBA players have so much to offer the workforce and their communities. When their playing career comes to an end, some need guidance as to how they can shift their focus and leverage skills from being the best in the world at one profession to building towards a successful career in another. AthLife Advisors work with former players to first identify, then build and promote fundamental skills and knowledge in areas where they have a passion so they can take on new career challenges.” says Jon Harris, President and Founder of AthLife.

Currently, AthLife also has service agreements with the NFL Players Association, The Trust (powered by the NFLPA), NBA Players Legacy Fund, WWE, Major League Soccer and the Major League Soccer Players Union to assist their constituency with career development and continuing education needs.

The National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA) is comprised of former professional basketball players from the NBA, ABA, WNBA and Harlem Globetrotters. It is a 501(c) 3 organization with a mission to develop, implement and advocate a wide array of programs to benefit its members, supporters and the community. The NBRPA was founded in 1992 by basketball legends Dave DeBusschere, Dave Bing, Archie Clark, Dave Cowens and Oscar Robertson. The NBRPA works in direct partnerships with the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association. Scott Rochelle is President and CEO, and the NBRPA Board of Directors includes Chairman of the Board Spencer Haywood, Vice Chairman Dwight Davis, Treasurer Casey Shaw, Secretary Nancy Lieberman, Rick Barry, Johnny Davis, David Naves, Sam Perkins, Eldridge Recasner, Jerome Williams.

CHICAGO (Sept. 27, 2018) – The National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA) today announced their continued support of former National Basketball Association (NBA) and Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) players through the NBRPA’s Licensing Partnership with the league. The agreement, which provides licensing revenue and transition programming to former athletes, includes the rights to profits generated from the sale of apparel, game footage, jerseys, trading cards, collectibles and video games, among other items. The amount of licensing revenue given to former basketball players has increased year-over-year, with a 294 percent growth since 2010.

“We are thrilled to work with the NBA on this initiative and give our players increased opportunities for additional licensing revenue,” said NBRPA President and CEO Scott Rochelle. “We will continue to work with the NBA to ensure more of our players are represented under this agreement.”

Royalties accrued through the program will be paid directly to NBRPA members. Former players who choose to opt in to the program will also receive partial NBRPA benefits, including access to paid opportunities, transition services, health benefits, educational programs and career development.

The NBRPA is the official alumni association for former NBA and WNBA players and the only organization of its kind that is directly supported by both the NBA and National Basketball Players Association (NBPA). Former professional basketball players can participate in the NBRPA’s Licensing Partnership with the NBA by signing the NBRPA authorization form. To obtain an authorization form, please email info@legendsofbasketball.com or call the NBRPA main office at 312.913.9400.

The National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA) is comprised of former professional basketball players from the NBA, ABA, WNBA and Harlem Globetrotters. It is a 501(c) 3 organization with a mission to develop, implement and advocate a wide array of programs to benefit its members, supporters and the community. The NBRPA was founded in 1992 by basketball legends Dave DeBusschere, Dave Bing, Archie Clark, Dave Cowens and Oscar Robertson. The NBRPA works in direct partnerships with the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association. Scott Rochelle is President and CEO, and the NBRPA Board of Directors includes Chairman of the Board Spencer Haywood, Vice Chairman Dwight Davis, Treasurer Casey Shaw, Secretary Nancy Lieberman, Rick Barry, Johnny Davis, David Naves, Sam Perkins, Eldridge Recasner, Jerome Williams.

Board Secretary Nancy Lieberman has her team positioned to make a deep run into the playoffs. Finishing tied for first with a 7-1 record to finish the regular season, Power’s roster includes Corey Maggette, Cuttino Mobley, Glen Davis, Xavier Silas, Ryan Gomes, Quentin Richardson and Chris Andersen.

Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame Inductee Rick Barry will take his deep and experienced squad into the playoffs. The Ball Hogs’ roster is headlined by Brian Scalabrine and includes former players Josh Childress, Deshawn Stevenson, Andre Owens, Corsley Edwards and Jermaine Taylor.

NBRPA Board Member Jerome Williams has taken every opportunity to motivate youth in his post-playing career and this opportunity with the Young3 is just his latest endeavor. Through the program, President Jerome Williams and fellow players look to advance 3-on-3 basketball in the local communities that the Big 3 visits. The program aims to motivate and inspire young people to build a solid foundation of healthy eating, good decisions and setting and fulfilling goals in life.

CHICAGO (Aug. 14, 2018) – In 2018, the National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA) will deliver on its mission of providing educational opportunities to former basketball players and their families. Through the Dave DeBusschere Scholarship Fund, the NBRPA will award 60 college scholarships to its membership, worth more than $260,000. The scholarship, initiated in honor of the late Dave DeBusschere, provides financial support to eligible NBRPA members, their spouses, children and grandchildren in pursuit of degrees in higher education.

“There is nothing more motivating than giving our children and families opportunities to do great things,” said Board Chairman Spencer Haywood. “We hope this scholarship is just the beginning for them.”

Over the past two years, the NBRPA has distributed 133 scholarships and more than $500,000 in total payouts. To date, the NBRPA has awarded members and their families more than $1.6 million in scholarships through the cornerstone initiative.

Some of the DeBusschere scholarship recipients will also receive the Earl Lloyd Scholarship. The NBA Players Legacy Fund, which provides assistance to players in need, will award 10 recipients a scholarship in excess of $50,000.

See below for a full list of scholarship recipients:

Student Name

Member Name

School Name

Expected Grad. Date

Asiah Avent

Anthony Avent

Seton Hall University

2021

Savanah Bennett

Melvin Bennett

West Chester University

2020

Mylaisa D. Birdsong

Otis Birdsong

FAMU

2022

Amiynah Campbell

Anthony Campbell

University of Albany

2019

Antoine J. Carr

Antoine Carr

St. Thomas University

Taylor Carr

Antoine Carr

Nova Southeastern University

2022

Jazmyn Carthen

Roger Brown

Northeastern Illinois University

2021

Stephanie Colter

R. Steven Colter

Florida A&M University

2020

Kaitlin Counts

Mel Counts

Idaho State University

GRAD

Patrick Counts

Mel Counts

California State University Maritime Academy

2019

Sari Cureton

Earl Cureton

Georgetown University

2021

Taylor Delk

Tony Delk

Spelman College

2021

Keith Edmonson

Keith Edmonson

Concordia University (Texas)

2018

Michaela Falzone

Bradley Branson

Florida State University

2021

Hayden Gambee

Dave Gambee

University of Arizona

2020

Reilly Gambee

Dave Gambee

University of Arizona

2021

Johannah (June) Hamilton

James (Joe) Hamilton

Oregon State University

2021

Kristina Hill

Steve Hayes

College of Southern Idaho

2019

Zoey Hill

Steve Hayes

College of Southern Idaho

2018

Jayda Howard

Stephen Howard

University of California, Berkeley

2020

Mariah Hutchinson

Enoch Bud Olsen (DECEASED)

John Hopkins University

2020

Benjamin Inniger

Erv Inniger

Winona State University

2022

Logan Jones

Ernest Jones

Eastern Illinois University

2021

Kaley Jones

Samuel Jones

University of Florida

2020

Kelli Jones

Samuel Jones

West Boca Medical School of Radiology

2020

Landon Jones

Darrall Imhoff (Deceased)

Eastern Oregon University

Reilly Jones

Samuel Jones

Xavier University

2020

Samuel Jones

Samuel Jones

Florida Atlantic University

2019

Caitlin Keefe

Adam Keefe

Stanford University

Anthony H. Keeling

Harold Keeling

University of Georgia

2019

Mason Kite

Greg Kite

Dixie State University

2020

Alexa Lister

Alton Lister

Charleston Southern University

2020

Adelaide McComb

Stanley Lee Von Nieda

University of Louisville

GRAD

Grace Marie Meschery-McCormack

Tom Meschery

Occidental College

2021

Noelle Torrie Mitchell

E. Todd Mitchell

University of Kentucky

2019

Takisha Moncrief

Sidney Moncrief

Dallas Baptist University

2019

Amara Money-Williams

Eric Money

Santa Monica College

2020

Elijah O'Bryant

Eathan Allen O'Bryant

Linfield College

2021

Avery Powell

Cincinnatus Powell Sr.

Northwestern University

2020

Melanie Range

Ronnie P. Range

University of Illinois

2022

Erin Recasner

Eldridge Recasner

USC

Sydney Recasner

Eldridge Recasner

USC

2019

Samuel Roberts

Frederick Roberts

University of Utah School of Medicine

2021

Syarra Sellers

Brad Sellers

Thomas More College

2021

Colton Shreve

Steven L. Hayes

Portland Community College

2020

Karch Smith

Michael John Smith

Brigham Young University

2019

Luke Smrek

Mike Smrek

Marquette University

2020

Reginald Theus

Reggie Theus

Cal State Northridge

2019

Rhyan Theus

Reggie Theus

University of Arizona

2020

Jazmine Thomas

Irving Thomas

Spelman College

2021

Conner Toolson

Andy Toolson

Utah Valley University

2019

Dallin Toolson

Andy Toolson

LDS Business College

2021

Trevor Toolson

Andy Toolson

Brigham Young University

2021

Carly Tower

Keith Tower

Dartmouth College

2020

Chloe Tower

Keith Tower

Samford University

2021

Keith Tower

Keith Tower

Concordia University

2021

Reagan Tripucka

Kelly Tripucka

University Of Delaware

2020

Tristan Von Nieda

Stanley Von Nieda

South Dakota School of Mines and Technology

2019

Melody Walters

Jumbo Eakins

Salt Lake Community College

2020

Holli Wilkins

Gerald Wilkins

Georgia State University

2016

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Media Contact:

Brad Shulkin

Brad.shulkin@kemperlesnik.com

847-894-1808

ABOUT THE NATIONAL BASKETBALL RETIRED PLAYERS ASSOCIATION

The National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA) is comprised of former professional basketball players from the NBA, ABA, WNBA and Harlem Globetrotters. It is a 501(c) 3 organization with a mission to develop, implement and advocate a wide array of programs to benefit its members, supporters and the community. The NBRPA was founded in 1992 by basketball legends Dave DeBusschere, Dave Bing, Archie Clark, Dave Cowens and Oscar Robertson. The NBRPA works in direct partnerships with the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association. Scott Rochelle is President and CEO, and the NBRPA Board of Directors includes Chairman of the Board Spencer Haywood, Vice Chairman Dwight Davis, Treasurer Casey Shaw, Secretary Nancy Lieberman, Rick Barry, Johnny Davis, David Naves, Sam Perkins, Eldridge Recasner, Jerome Williams.

The National Basketball Retired Players Association wrapped up its annual Legends Conference in Las Vegas this week. Legends from around the world, both past and present, came together for a series of professional and personal development events. NBRPA partners joined in on the fun and provided resources for Legends, from financial planning to free health screenings through the NBPA.

On Thursday, July 12, the NBRPA hosted a technology summit led by the most tech-savvy members and partners who provided keys to investing, highlighted areas of opportunity and introduced new technologies that can help NBRPA members advance their personal brands or businesses. Panelists Stephen Bardo (NBA Alumni, Analyst), Caron Butler (NBA Alumni, Entrepreneur, Tech Investor), Israel Idonije (NFL Alumni, Entrepreneur, Tech Investor) and Rashaun Williams (Venture Capitalist) discussed new technologies, gadgets and trends, and Legends had the chance to ask questions and provide insight as well.

From the successful tech summit to the fan-favorite Women of Influence summit which featured panelists Lisa Leslie, Rushia Brown, Michele Roberts, LaChina Robinson and Jennifer Azzi, the week was an overall success. Check out @NBAAlumni on social media for more highlights throughout the week as well as updates on future NBRPA programs and events.

Day two of the 2018 Legends Conference in Las Vegas was a fun-filled day of events and festivities. The NBRPA and Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management officially launched a partnership that provides former players with access to educational programs that are only available to Kellogg Alumni. Noted Kellogg Professors Craig Wortmann and David Schonthal joined the Legends in Vegas for a variety of sessions on entrepreneurial ventures. Discussions from business model creation to “the art of sales” gave former players excellent insight to entrepreneurship, and now, players interested in learning more can sign up for an exclusive online business education module to gain a certificate in business.

Whether they are already business owners, or if they simply have a business idea in mind that they’re thinking about launching, players soaked in the information and asked intelligent questions, making for an engaging conversation with the professors. Reed Hansen, director of business development at Northwestern University's Kellogg Business School, said following the conference, "They sincerely wanted to learn about being an entrepreneur."

Later that afternoon, the Legends headed over to the Summer League games, and the day concluded with an evening of food, drinks and friendly competition at Top Golf Las Vegas.

Day one of the 2018 Legends Conference in Las Vegas is in the books!
Doors opened to the Legends Lounge at Mandalay Bay on Tuesday morning and immediately filled with NBRPA members, family, friends and partners excited to reconnect, learn and spend time together. Five incredible, talented women kicked off the conference with a Women of Influence Summit. Led by LaChina Robinson, panelists Michele Roberts, Lisa Leslie, Jennifer Azzi and Rushia Brown held a meaningful discussion and touched on topics from basketball to gender issues, business and advice for life beyond the game of basketball. Attendees left inspired and excited to continue learning from each other the rest of the week.

Following the summit, the evening’s welcome party at Light Nightclub was the official kick-off to the week, and it did not disappoint.

The lounge is back open today, and players are looking forward to hearing from Northwestern | Kellogg School of Business throughout day two. Follow along with us at @NBAAlumni and #LegendsofBasketball for more Legends Conference highlights throughout the weekend!